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Post-operative deep vein thrombosis is regarded as rare among Africans, even though there are no known specific factors existing in the African population which either increase or decrease the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in the surgical patient. But by using human fibrinogen labeled with radioactive iodine (125I), despite its limitations in detecting thrombi proximal to the femoral veins, we were able to demonstrate those which were still at the subclinical stage of the disease process apart from overt cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Whereas, miniheparinization and treatment with Dextran 70 may be better, accepted methods of prophylaxis in the immediate post-operative days, in 38 consecutive post-operative cases studied, we were able to show the benefits of dihydroergotamine mesylate in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis among Nigerians. It was also shown that since DVT may occur in the femoral segments without a concomitant involvement of the calf veins, assertions based only on data obtained from clinical examinations of the calf for evidence of DVT are bound to be understatements of the true incidence.

Despite the very high incidence of arterial hypertension among Africans ath erosclerotic changes linked with prolonged hypertension is not commonly en countered and even then the coronary arteries are known to be spared. Since this seeming protection against atherosclerosis is said to be found among Afri can populations we carried out a study to ascertain the current presentation and pattern of atherosclerosis including fatty streaking of the intima in an indige nous African population. Our findings show that atheroma as a degenerative disease (not linked with hypertension), contrary to prevailing opinion, is not uncommon among Africans. However, the incidence and pattern of distribution of the lesion especially in the aorta show features which indicate interesting peculiarities in the population studied. We also found that although fatty streak ing of the intima was common and had its peak incidence in the third decade of life, comparatively fewer cases later progressed to atheroma formation.

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